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BEETHAM, Richmond 1836–1912

Born Newcastle, England, eldest son of the artist William Beetham. Arrived in Victoria, Australia 1856 but in 1859 joined his father in Wellington. Entered the Public Service: became Receiver of Land Revenue, Otago gold fields; Resident Magistrate, Queenstown; Resident Magistrate, Napier; Resident Magistrate, Timaru, and in 1881 Resident Magistrate, Christchurch. In 1890 married the daughter of the artist/naturalist William Swainson. Settled eventually in Masterton where he died. Exhibited with CSA 1881–93; served on the Committee and as President. In 1884 paintings included Fijian subjects; NZ & South Seas Ex. Dunedin 1889–90, winning second award for figure and landscape. Represented in Turnbull and Hocken.